The holidays can be stressful for everyone—especially children with diabetes . Like all children, they must deal with the stresses of family visits, a flurry of activities, final exams, and various expectations at this time. But unlike most children, children with diabetes often feel restricted in the presence of enticing foods during the holidays. How can you help your child enjoy the holidays when the restrictions of diabetes cause him or her to feel different and left out?
The challenges your child faces during the holidays often depend on his or her age. You can help by understanding your child’s developmental level and the special issues he may confront at this time.
Preschool children tend to think in terms of good and bad. They may see the dietary restrictions and treatment of diabetes as punishment for something they have done. Therefore, your challenge is to ensure that the holidays are positive. Here are some tips:
School-aged children are able to take more control of their diabetes with each passing year. At school, they will learn to ask for help and will become more comfortable talking to their friends about diabetes. However, children need to feel that any skill they learn is an accomplishment, not a punishment. It’s important that you help your child to continue developing a positive identity and a sense of independence. However, you should also keep in mind that he may go through periods of denial and become lax about self-care skills. These tips can help during the holidays:
Adolescence runs from about age 11 to age 20. This is a period of development marked by abstract, conceptual, and future-oriented thinking as well as creativity, trying different identities, and taking risks. This is also a time when many parents may expect the worst. Adolescents with diabetes may be more apt to cheat with their record keeping and fail to test their blood, especially during the holidays. Like other adolescents, they may engage in binge eating and drinking. They want to fit in and may have difficulty adhering to their food schedule when hanging out with friends. Here are some tips to help your adolescent:
To the degree that you have control over what and when your child eats, here are some additional tips for the holidays:
The holidays can be a challenging time for children with diabetes. But with a little planning and creativity, they’ll have visions of sugar-free plums dancing in their heads!
RESOURCES:
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
Joslin Diabetes Center
http://www.joslin.org/index.asp/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
References
Diabetics can enjoy holiday treats in moderation, 1995. New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service website. Available at http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu . Accessed November 26, 2002.
Eating out and party planning. American Diabetes Association website. Available at http://www.diabetes.org . Accessed June 14, 2007.
Helping kids with diabetes enjoy Halloween and the holidays, 2002. Harvard University, Joslin Diabetes Center website. Available at http://www.joslin.harvard.edu . Accessed November 26, 2002.
Managing diabetes during the holidays, 2006. Harvard University, Joslin Diabetes Center website. Available at http://www.joslin.harvard.edu . Accessed June 14, 2007.
Ten tips for diabetics and healthy holiday eating. Temple University Health System website. Available at http://www.temple.edu . Accessed November 26, 2002.
Your guide to eating out. American Diabetes Association website. Available at http://www.diabetes.org . Accessed November 26, 2002.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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